All Makeup Skin Hair Nails How-To Beauty Amplified Spoilers IPSY 101 Ingredient Index

The 10 Best Creams and Lotions for Soft, Moisturized Hands

Maya Ernest DefaultMaya Ernest Default
By
Published on Dec 31, 2022 • 6 min read
best-hand-cream best-hand-cream

Between our everyday activities and a heightened focus on handwashing and sanitizer, the skin on our hands could use a little extra TLC. Just like facial moisturizers and body lotions are formulated to work for specific areas, the rich consistency of hand creams is specially designed to deliver deep, long-lasting hydration to those precious digits. And while they may feel heavy at first, creams and ointments tend to be the most hydrating, says dermatologist Carmen Castilla, MD.

When searching for the best hand cream for you, Dr. Castilla says you should look for three key ingredients: humectants, occlusives, and emollients. "Humectants, such as alpha hydroxy acids, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and urea, help hydrate the skin by drawing water into the outer skin layer. Emollients, such as ceramides, fatty acids, and lipids, help fill in the gaps between skin cells, softening the skin. And occlusives, such as lanolin, mineral oils, and petroleum [like Vaseline], create a barrier to help trap in moisture." If you have sensitive skin, "stay away from alcohols and fragrances, as these can be very irritating," adds Dr. Castilla.

Ready to start taking your hand care seriously? Here are the 10 best hand creams to help keep your hands soft, healthy, and hydrated.

Default Middle Subscribe Module Image - MobileDefault Middle Subscribe Module Image - Desktop

It's about glam time you treated yourself.

Join IPSY
MEET THE EXPERT

Carmen Castilla, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at the New York Dermatology Group.

The Best Hand Creams

1. Best Anti-Aging Hand Cream:

AHAVA Smoothing Hand Cream in Kale & Turmeric

AHAVA Smoothing Hand Cream in Kale & Turmeric MobileAHAVA Smoothing Hand Cream in Kale & Turmeric Desktop

No need to bury your chapped hands in your pockets. Anti-inflammatory turmeric, antioxidant kale, and AHAVA’s own Osmoter™ (a signature blend of Dead Sea minerals) combine forces to help soothe, smooth, and hydrate your hands while also helping to protect against signs of aging.

2. Best Spa-Scented Hand Cream:

PEAR NOVA Hydrating Cream in Coconut & Eucalyptus

PEAR NOVA Hydrating Cream in Coconut & Eucalyptus MobilePEAR NOVA Hydrating Cream in Coconut & Eucalyptus Desktop

This moisturizing hand cream from PEAR NOVA checks all the right boxes. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, fast-absorbing, and deeply moisturizes dry skin for long-lasting smoothness hydration. And the coconut and eucalyptus scent? We’re obsessed. “This smells HEAVENLY! It absorbed well and left my hands feeling hydrated,” said one Ipster after receiving this hand cream in a recent Glam Bag.

3. Best for After-Sun Care:

THE ORGANIC PHARMACY Hand Cream

THE ORGANIC PHARMACY Hand Cream MobileTHE ORGANIC PHARMACY Hand Cream Desktop

If you spent a little too much time in the sun and forgot to reapply your SPF, reach for this hydrating hand cream that’s made with aloe vera, jojoba oil, comfrey, and shea butter to replenish moisture, soothe irritation, and reduce swelling from your lack of sunscreen. Just one application leaves you with super soft skin. These rave reviews sum it up perfectly. “This cream made my hands so smooth and soft,” says one Ipster review. Another says, “I live in Arizona, so the heat in the summer makes my hands dry and cracked, and this lotion makes my hands soft. It’s perfect.”

4. Best French Hand Cream:

LA CHATELAINE Hand Cream in Passion Fruit

LA CHATELAINE Hand Cream in Passion Fruit MobileLA CHATELAINE Hand Cream in Passion Fruit Desktop

We'll trust just about any skincare product and beauty tip the French swear by, and this hand cream is no exception. Packed with nourishing shea butter and argan oil, this hand salve is a go-to solution for anyone experiencing dry, chapped skin from cold weather and lots of 4hand sanitizer. This formula is also all natural and made with organic ingredients so you can feel good lathering it on every day. "This hand cream is very smooth and hydrating," reviewed an Ipster. "It's the perfect size for carrying around in your purse."

5. Fastest Absorbing Hand Cream:

THE SAEM Perfumed Hand Essence in Magnolia

THE SAEM Perfumed Hand Essence in Magnolia MobileTHE SAEM Perfumed Hand Essence in Magnolia Desktop

When you need something ultra lightweight, reach for this quick-absorbing lotion. Although the formula feels weightless on your skin, it still comes with major hydration benefits thanks to ingredients like macadamia seed oil, olive oil, and argan oil. One Ipster describes this formula as "not greasy at all with a very mild scent." They add: "It's my go-to in my work bag to combat 12+ hours of hand sanitizer use."

6. Best Shea Butter Hand Cream:

L’OCCITANE Shea Butter Hand Cream

L’OCCITANE Shea Butter Hand CreamL’OCCITANE Shea Butter Hand Cream

Pamper your hands with this ultra-luxe cream that’s gone viral for a reason! Some hand lotions boast a bit of shea butter here and there, but this rich hand cream from French skincare brand L’OCCITANE uses 20% of the powerhouse moisturizing ingredient (plus, it’s 100% organic, fair-trade shea butter!). One dot is all you need to feel instantly softer and nourished hands that are also protected from environmental aggressors.

7. Best for Nail Care:

REFRESHMENTS Luscious Hand Cream

best-hand-cream-07best-hand-cream-07

Show both your hands and nails some love with this skin-soothing cream. Formulated with plant-based omega fatty acids and rich antioxidants, it’s specially made to soften your cuticles with long-lasting nourishment. Your nails have absorptive properties, so while all those ingredients are treating the skin on your hands, they’re also putting in the work on your nails, too. One Ipster calls this their “holy grail hand cream,” noting that it “kept their cuticles nice and moisturized.” A little goes a long way (and that goes for its citrus scent, too).

8. Best for Mature Hands:

-417 Hand Moisturizer

best-hand-cream-08best-hand-cream-08

Your hand’s natural skin barrier is compromised with age, often leading to cracking, drying, or unwanted spots. When that happens, you’ll want to reach for this hard-working hand cream, which not only hydrates but also helps repair damage. Infused with powerhouse ingredients like shea butter and retinol, this concentrated cream leaves hands silky smooth and diminishes the appearance of fine lines and spots. Its thick, rich formula also works to protect dry skin from weather and pollution, making sure its nourishing, anti-aging results continue to deliver. 

9. Best Vegan Hand Cream:

GLOW ON 5TH Keep it Handy Hand Cream

best-hand-cream-09best-hand-cream-09

For a hand cream that feels good (both physically and environmentally speaking), opt for this cute little vegan cream. A small dot is all you need to transform your dry hands into moisturized ones, and with cruelty-free ingredients like shea butter and licorice root, expect this cream to smooth out rough texture and leave you with nourished, refreshed hands. “This sinks into skin quickly with no greasy residue,” writes one Ipster. “There’s not much fragrance, but I prefer it that way for my sensitive skin.” Take note!

10. Best Hand Cream with Sunscreen:

FENTY SKIN Hydra Vizor Broad Spectrum Mineral SPF 15 Sunscreen Hand Cream Duo

best-hand-cream-10best-hand-cream-10

FENTY SKIN isn’t playing around when it comes to taking care of the skin on your hands. This silky formula conditions your hands with mineral SPF 15, helping you avoid the spots and fine lines that develop from sun damage. Plus, this silky formula helps to smooth and soften hands, all without feeling heavy or greasy. With this dynamic duo, you’ll be able to keep your hands nourished and protected at all times, since you can keep one bottle at home and carry the other one in your purse for any on-the-go applications. 

Liked this post? Share!

UP NEXT: The 17 Best Face Moisturizers That Are Everything Your Skin Needs

Related Stories

A smiling, older woman with slicked-back white hair, wearing a textured pink top and gold hoop earrings, is looking off to the side against a bright white backgroundA smiling, older woman with slicked-back white hair, wearing a textured pink top and gold hoop earrings, is looking off to the side against a bright white background

Skin

How to Adjust Your Skincare Routine for Mature Skin in the Winter

Published on Dec 4, 2025 • 7 min read

LANCOME Absolue Soft Cream Moisturizer, MURAD Nutrient-Charged Water Gel, DR JART+ Ceramidin™ Skin Barrier Moisturizing Cream,  BYROE Kale Hydrating Gel MoisturizerLANCOME Absolue Soft Cream Moisturizer, MURAD Nutrient-Charged Water Gel, DR JART+ Ceramidin™ Skin Barrier Moisturizing Cream,  BYROE Kale Hydrating Gel Moisturizer

Skin

Meet the Best Moisturizers for Winter, According to Dermatologists

Published on Dec 1, 2025 • 9 min read

Woman with a thoughtful expression, touching her slightly reddened cheeks indicating inflammation, the soft lighting and natural background draw attention to her skin conditionWoman with a thoughtful expression, touching her slightly reddened cheeks indicating inflammation, the soft lighting and natural background draw attention to her skin condition

Skin

What Is Inflammaging—and Why Everyone’s Talking About It

Published on Dec 1, 2025 • 8 min read

A close-up portrait of a woman with glossy skin and neatly braided cornrows, resting her face in her hand with a calm expressionA close-up portrait of a woman with glossy skin and neatly braided cornrows, resting her face in her hand with a calm expression

Skin

6 Skincare Trends to Have on Your Radar in 2026, According to Experts

Published on Dec 1, 2025 • 7 min read

A photo of a woman with her eyes closed, bathed in green and red light effects within a dark studio settingA photo of a woman with her eyes closed, bathed in green and red light effects within a dark studio setting

Skin

We Grabbed Our Crystal Ball and Found These 6 Skincare Predictions for 2025

Published on Dec 10, 2024 • 7 min read

Happy young Asian woman smiles as she massages her face using a gua sha beauty tool.Happy young Asian woman smiles as she massages her face using a gua sha beauty tool.

Skin

Simple Self-Care Tips That Actually Make a Difference

Published on Nov 13, 2025 • 12 min read

An image of three face scrub tubes set against a pink-to-violet gradient backgroundAn image of three face scrub tubes set against a pink-to-violet gradient background

Skin

These 9 Face Scrubs Will Unlock Soft and Smooth Skin on Contact

Published on Nov 5, 2025 • 10 min read

An image of three small, bright-orange pumpkins sits in a neat row on a candy-pink surface, each casting bold, elongated shadows to the leftAn image of three small, bright-orange pumpkins sits in a neat row on a candy-pink surface, each casting bold, elongated shadows to the left

Skin

10 Thanksgiving Foods That Will Have Your Skin Coming Back for Seconds

Published on Oct 15, 2025 • 7 min read

Default Middle Subscribe Module Image - MobileDefault Middle Subscribe Module Image - Desktop

Beauty Picked Just for You

Get 5 products worth up to $70

Plus exclusive access to epic deals up to 80% off

Starting at just $14/month. Cancel anytime.

Get Started